​Fabio Capello believes the FIGC made the right decision in appointing Paolo Maldini as the federation’s new technical director, and he is glad to see Leonardo joining him as an advisor, but he insists that Roberto Mancini’s past mistakes are too significant to forget. “I’ve already said I would go with Conte,” Capello noted, underscoring his preference for a high-profile, decisive approach.
Maldini has recently been named the FIGC’s technical director and has also taken on the role of President of Club Italia, in a four-year contract that will extend through the end of the 2030 World Cup. He will be joined by former Milan teammate Leonardo, who will serve in an advisory capacity. This marks the dawn of a new era for the Italy national team, following the exit of figures such as the FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso, and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon after the team’s World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina late in March.
Giovanni Malagò has replaced Gravina and, on Saturday night, made Maldini his first major appointment within the national team’s setup. The next big decision will be naming a new head coach, with Mancini, Antonio Conte, and potentially Pep Guardiola among the frontrunners. Capello weighed in on Maldini’s appointment, Leonardo’s role, and the possible next coach in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. He is convinced Maldini is the right choice, telling the publication: “Nobody better than him would be able to do it.” He added: “I’m really happy about it. Paolo was the first name on their list and they’ve got him; he’s definitely the person we need. I’m happy for the national team and also for him. He’s serious, capable and attentive. He doesn’t speak much; he works. He has ideas, and he will have a well-defined project in his mind already.”
Capello also commented on Leonardo’s appointment as an advisor to Maldini. “He’s another guy who knows a lot about football,” Capello said. “If Maldini wanted him close by, bringing together a partnership that began in Milan, it’s because there is so much to do. We have to recover on multiple fronts, starting with the development of young talents. They have chosen to take on a big commitment because they are clearly convinced by it. I will repeat: they are both serious, and more importantly, they understand football.”
Reflecting on what he learned from watching Maldini up close during his time with Milan, Capello remarked: “Everyone has seen what he did with the Rossoneri. He’s not a yes man; he wants the freedom to implement change for the better.”